11:42

I will not gloat because this never happens....but I beat him. I beat Patrick in today's workout. There is no hope of this EVER if the workout includes lots of upper body work, especially pull-ups. Patrick can kip and crank them out....while I struggle through one...at...a...time. In only two months, Patrick has gotten very strong. I continue to improve, I guess. But today, due to the continual pep-talk of our trainer, I pulled it off. The man went so far as to happily grab the garbage can when I mentioned puking!

3 rounds: 20 sumo deadlift high pulls (44 lbs), 20 burpees, 20 sledgehammer swings (each side).

Patrick finished a mere 5 seconds behind me.

musings on homeschooling

Homeschooling sometimes causes such a range of emtions that I find myself redfaced or chuckling. There are days when I feel like screaming,"If these kids were in school, I could actually get something done around here!" But, luckily those days are mostly few and far between. With the end of the year nearly here, and planning for next year underway, I find myself chuckling with amusement at my family for various reasons.

We have been planning and discussing and ordering items for next year. The UPS man has made several visits to deliver books and more are expected. I've learned books are like "crack" for my chidren. They have nearly run into the UPS truck to grab their boxes of books. They beg to open the boxes. And then they are lost into a sea of books on the floor. Excitement fills their faces and requests are made to "can I please read this one early...now". I tried to hide the first box of books, but Luke found it and asked to dig in right away. I am such a planner, that I had to take the problem to Patrick....You know, it isn't time to read this yet, it is really for next year, but they want to read it right away......Patrick quickly set me right, with the reply, "Are you considering NOT letting them read?"

The second funny observation is my hubby. This frugal man never buys anything new, and rarely buys things at all. ( I did get a mother's day gift card to a spa...but before that, I got a watch, candles, and weight lifting socks picked up from a garage sale). Anyhow, I mentioned the amount of money I spent on books to him last night. And folks....I bought a lot of books. When this homeschooling journey is over, I will have one large library. His reply was, "Yeah, but did you see how excited the kids were over books!" No comment on the hundreds of bucks on books.

And now I chuckle at watching their brains work. Luke has happily looked over The Lives of Plutarch, and I am wondering where I can pick up a study guide for mom's. The same goes for Antigone by Sophecles. After testing the kids recently, I was advised to have him read at a late highschool/college level with literature. Mom will be working quite hard this fall!

Sarah Clare, upon opening her new math book, shouted, "Can I start this tomorrow since I am done with my old one?!" This from a child who was crying at this point with math last year. What a difference a year can make.

So now I am left to sorting books for each child into boxes that are stored in the corner of my bedroom. Sean has started his new math book....a second grade mathbook for him. I was happily surprised to see him ready for that level.

Now, I'm off to school.

First Holy Communion

Last Saturday, Sarah Clare made her First Holy Communion! She was so excited and counted down the days. We were so proud of preparation and knowledge of her faith. We celebrated the special day with Grandma and Grandpa Army and Aunt Mary and Uncle Jim who came down from Cleveland. We had a bunch of friends over as well and cooked a southern feast of pulled pork, collard greens, cornbread, potato salad and other yummy treats. We swam, jumped on the trampoline, played Kubb,cornhole, and capture the flag. We ended the night with a bonfire and many tired out kids and adults.

Our trip

Patrick and I spent four days together in the Bahamas a few weeks ago. While we missed the kids, and felt somewhat guilty realizing all the fun they would have had at the resort, I must admit it was wonderful to be away with just my husband. We had such a good time enjoying each others company. We got to eat without disruption, and swim without worrying about drowning toddlers! I knew my hubby was my very best friend, but I guess amidst all the day to day joy of a busy family, I forgot just how much fun he was to be with. One comment that stands out in my mind was his comment that I didn't seem cranky AT ALL in four whole days. I guess I have some work to do in my daily life, but it was quite relaxing to only worry about my hubby and myself during our vacation. The resort was amazing and we had a ton of fun enjoying the waterslides and wonderful aquarium and lagoons. Going to this conference/vacation was his idea and I was skeptical at times about leaving home. I must say this was a wonderful gift from a wonderful man.

Old McDonald....

We put in a garden several weeks ago. It was rather easy, since we simply put seeds into the mulched beds around our pool. Well, it was easy except for the helpers I had. Mainly the almost two year-old helper, who dug up numerous seeds. We planted garlic, onions, yellow squash, zucchini, cucumbers, peas, watermelon, tomatoes, peppers, beans, carrots, and I have 8 raspberry bushes to still get in the ground. We also have a separate herb garden. Most of the plants have sprouted up and look great. We'll see how the summer progresses. Sean is my gardening pal. This was overheard when we were out thinning zucchini and squash.

Luke (yelling from inside the door of the house): "Hey, what are you guys doing?"

Sean (who was squatting in the dirt learning how to thin plants): "Luke you have to come out here, this is so fun. We are FARMING!